have implications for the deep-BBL. Presently, it is known that deep-BBL bacterial populations are able to support protozoan bacterivores like foraminifera and some metazoan zooplankton, which in turn can support larger organisms. Meiofauna and macrofauna found in the deep-BBL include: copepods, annelids, nematodes, bivalves, ostracods, isopods, amphipods, arthropods and gastropods, to name a few. These organisms ultimately play a vital role in the remineralization of matter and aid in breaking down POM that may eventually become permanent sediment. As the effects of anthropogenic forcing begin taking an even greater toll on marine processes, long-term studies are essential in determining the health and stability of the deep-BBL. Currently, several groups are employing cabled observatories (ALOHA Cabled Observatory, Monterey Accelerated Research System, NEPTUNE, VENUS, and Liquid Jungle Lab (LJL) Panama- PLUTO) to work towards developing these much needed time-series. References Sources The Benthic Boundary Layer, Transport Processes and Biogeochemistry. Edited by Bernard P. Boudreau and Bo Barker Jørgensen . February 2001, Oxford University Press. Oceanography Limnology